FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much will it cost to get started?

This is one of the top questions we get, and we are well aware of how important finances are to our prospective students. You can check out the Tuition and Finance page to get the basic information in regards to cost. However, this does not reflect the tuition discounts (10-30%) that are normally going to be available. It also does not address the enormous amount of flexibility we have when working with an adult learner on a payment arrangement. We are interested in making every effort to make enrollment manageable. We can generally get a student enrolled with as little as a $350-$500 deposit and work out a monthly payment plan to fit their budget. With so many options available, we advise speaking to an Enrollment Advisor to see what works best for you.

Q. Is the Cost of materials included in my tuition?

Audio lectures, course study guides (syllabi), and library resources are all available through the Trinity Online Learning Center and are included in your tuition and fees. The textbooks are a separate cost and can be obtained via an online or local bookseller, or your local library.

Q. What is the first thing I need to do? When can I get started?

If you have not done so already, you can begin by filling out the brief Evaluation Form, or contacting an Enrollment Advisor today. Our students are not restricted by a traditional enrollment/enrollment agreement schedule such as would be the case on a Semester or Quarter basis. You can enroll at ANY TIME during the year and your study is SELF-PACED so you move through your courses at whatever speed is comfortable for you.

Q. Are there any on-campus requirements?

No. All courses can be done at home, at your own pace and on your own schedule.

Q. How do I complete the course assignments?

Generally speaking, our courses contain the same basic components as traditional classes; they are made up of audio lectures, a course syllabus, and textbook requirements. (book requirements vary from course to course) Our courses contain these same components but are provided for you outside of the traditional classroom setting. You have a program director or other faculty member who is responsible for the course but he/she is not responsible for daily guidance through the materials. Your assignment/objectives are clearly outlined in your study guide. These will be a variety of written assignments (essay questions, research projects, critical reflection papers, summaries, etc…) meant to challenge and strengthen you in many areas. The assignments are easily submitted through the Trinity Online Learning Center (TOLC) or even through the postal service if you prefer. Grades and critique are received in the same manner.

Q. How long does it take to finish a course or a degree? Are there any restrictions?

Trinity understands from years of experience, that not everyone learns at the same rate. When it comes to adult learners there are always outside factors that should be factored in. With this in mind, Trinity allows students a maximum of 10 years to complete a degree program. Each course enrollment agreement is valid for one year and extensions are available. When you finish the courses on your first enrollment agreement, you can immediately register for another set of courses and this enrollment agreement will then be valid for one year.

Q. What if I need help while I am trying to do the studies?

Trinity has a dedicated Advisory staff to work with you. We also have program directors, onsite and adjunct faculty, technical staff, and a variety of general staff members who will be available to help you on a daily basis. (you can make contact via email or telephone).

Q. Do I have to sign up and pay for the whole program up front?

No. Some applicants sign up for the whole program, some register for 12-15 credits at a time (about 4-5 courses), and some begin with as few as 9 credits. Although there are some additional discounts for prepayment of your degree, many applicants use one of our deferred payment options to get started.

Our goal is “To equip men and women with a Christian worldview of leadership and service in life, work, and ministry through distance education that encourages professional and academic excellence.” Our average applicant is 44 years of age and most of our students/graduates are either currently involved in, or transitioning to, careers and service as pastors, teachers, counselors, missionaries, and administrators. Still others aspire to be better equipped as volunteers in their churches, Sunday School teachers, etc. Testimonials from students and graduates are posted throughout the site, so you can see for yourself how Trinity has equipped people to fulfill their individual callings.

Q. Is Trinity associated with a particular church or denomination?

No. Trinity has no such affiliations. We have always been recognized as a Theologically Conservative, Evangelical Bible College and Theological Seminary. Trinity is cross-denominational and welcomes students from all Christian traditions. Our faculty and administration mirror the denominational and theological diversity of our student body. Our objective is to build a community of learning where the common desire is to further God’s kingdom.

Q. Will my credits/degree from Trinity be accepted by other schools?

Transfer of academic credit is determined by the receiving institution. Credits earned at other institutions may or may not be accepted by Trinity and credits earned at Trinity may or may not be accepted by another institution. Any student relying on credit earned at Trinity college of the Bible and Theological Seminary for transfer to or enrollment in another institution should check with that institution prior to enrollment at Trinity.

Q. Can I obtain my ministry license and/or be ordained through this program?

Trinity’s mission is to prepare you for effective ministry, or to enhance your ministry gifts. Ordination and licensure are not a part of Trinity’s mission. We believe these endorsements should be administered by local church bodies and other organizations. Because ministry training is a prerequisite to licensure and/or ordination, organizations and denominations have accepted the Trinity degree for these purposes.

Q. Can I get the books anywhere?

Yes, you may order your books as you prefer: such as from a local bookseller or an online book source.

Q. Where can I obtain a Trinity catalog?

You can view our interactive online catalog or download the PDF version to your computer from our Trinity Catalog page.

Q. Where can I find a listing of course descriptions?

Course descriptions may be found in the Trinity Catalog (listed towards the end).